a. A unified government is the circumstance of one party controlling both chambers of Congress and the presidency at the same time. Under unified government, it is easier to enact legislation than when there is divided government. A unified government also provides advantages for the use of the filibuster. Under unified government, there is less ideological discord between the president and Congress. Some scholars argue that this allows for a shorter confirmation process and a lesser likelihood of obstruction than in a divided government. This is because the majority and the President belong to the same political Party and have similarly rooted views. The likelihood of presidents to block legislation and of presidential failure to pass legislation …show more content…
A divided government is the situation of different parties controlling the presidency and one or both houses of Congress. Divided government has been prevalent since 1968. Divided government has many consequences, such as gridlock and the filibuster. Gridlock prevents legislation from being passed into law, while the filibuster blocks or delays the consideration of legislation. Parties have selected more polarized floor leaders and committee chairs. When larger ideological differences exist between the President and Congress, gridlock is more often seen because the President and the majority cannot agree on legislation. The two cannot find common ground, and therefore cannot create and thus enforce effective legislative. The filibuster has been used more in recent years by minority party members in the Senate to block unwanted legislation and hold back presidential nominees whom the minority deems unfit. The minority uses the filibuster to stall legislation, and to allow more time to persuade other members of the Senate to change stances on legislation. However, Senators do not always want to vote to end the filibuster, in fear that their vote to end this filibuster will be used against them when it is their turn to